Lake Naconiche

Quick Links: Fishing Regulations | Angling Opportunities | Cover & Structure | Tips & Tactics

Public Access Facilities

Lake Characteristics

Location: on Naconiche and Telesco creeks, 14 miles northeast of Nacogdoches off US Highway 59
Surface area: 692 acres
Maximum depth: 40 feet
Impounded: 2009

Water Conditions

Current Lake Level: Call lake office (936) 559-9038
Conservation Pool Elevation: 348 ft. msl
Fluctuation: 1-2 feet
Normal Clarity: Moderately clear

Reservoir Controlling Authority

Nacogdoches County
Commissioner Precinct 1
101 W. Main, Suite 170
Nacogdoches, Texas 75961
(936) 560-7709
Lake office: (936) 559-9038

Aquatic Vegetation

Primarily hydrilla and waterlily

Predominant Fish Species

Lake Records
Stocking History
Latest Survey Report

Lake Maps

Available for purchase at lake office

Fishing Regulations

As of September 1, 2016, the length limit on largemouth bass changed from an 18-inch minimum to a 16-inch maximum. See new regulations.

Angling Opportunities

Fish stockings began in 2009 and included channel catfish, bluegill, Florida largemouth bass, and white and black crappie. The most popular sport fish at Lake Naconiche is the largemouth bass. Bass 15 to 20 inches in length are very abundant, some exceed 6 pounds, and an excellent fishery exists. Growth rates of largemouth bass are fast, so the population will continue to improve and abundance of fish over 6 pounds will increase over the next few years. An excellent crappie population is also present in the reservoir. Initial stockings of channel catfish were successful, and many of these fish exceed 4 pounds. Sunfish are present in high numbers and provide good fishing, especially for youth or inexperienced anglers.

Species	Poor	Fair	Good	Excellent
Largemouth Bass
Catfish
Crappie
Sunfish

Fishing Cover/Structure

Habitat in Lake Naconiche consists of aquatic vegetation (mainly hydrilla and lily pads) and standing/submerged timber. Largemouth bass are typically found around vegetation edges, points, and creek channels.

Fish habitat structures have been used to create artificial habitat in this reservoir. They were placed by TPWD in cooperation with Nacogdoches County and the Reservoir Fish Habitat Partnership.

Use the Habitat Structure Viewer for an interactive map of fish habitat structures and downloadable GPS coordinates.

Tips & Tactics

During the fall, winter, and spring months, largemouth bass are active for longer periods of the day and are typically found in shallow water. A variety of baits and techniques will work during these times. When fish are active, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and swim jigs worked over the vegetation will catch bass. During the hot summer, the bite usually slows and fish activity is usually concentrated during early morning, late evening, and at night. Topwater baits are good choices during low light conditions. As the sun rises, most bass are concentrated in or around vegetation edges, or seek refuge on deep creek channel ledges. During this time, plastic worms, jigs, creature baits, and Carolina rigs are the preferred baits.

Crappie can be caught all year using jigs, small spinners, and live minnows fished along the vegetation edges, creek channels, and bridge pilings. Sunfishes, especially bluegill and redear sunfish, can be caught year-round but fishing peaks during the late spring or summer when fish are on their spawning beds. Small jigs, spinners, and crickets all catch sunfish.